The Quiet Crisis in Delaware County

 

Delaware County is facing a quiet crisis — one that has been ignored by systems and institutions for far too long, but not by the compassionate residents who have stepped up to take action.

While official support may be lacking, countless individuals and grassroots organizations have been working tirelessly and using their own resources to save lives, advocate for change, and give animals a fighting chance. Their efforts are heroic — but they shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone. Imagine if they never got involved or worse, stopped.

While the signs are all around us, this issue has slipped through the cracks, pushed aside, and met too often with silence or indifference. But the truth is undeniable: animals in our shelters and on our streets are at risk every single day — not because they are unwanted or unlovable, but because our systems are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and outdated.

We cannot keep turning a blind eye. And we absolutely cannot continue down this same path.
The cost is too high — measured in lives lost, hearts broken, and trust eroded. It’s time we face this head-on, together. We need a new way forward — one rooted in compassion, community collaboration, and proven solutions.

But here’s the good news: there is a better way — and it’s already working in communities across the country.
Places just like ours have come together, adopted proven no-kill strategies, and transformed their shelter systems from high-kill to life-saving. This isn’t a dream — it’s a roadmap. And we have the power to follow it.

It starts with education, transparency, and accountability — but most of all, it starts with us, and that includes all of our elected officials.
Rescues, shelters, animal advocates, and everyday residents all have a role to play. Whether it’s fostering, adopting, trapping and neutering, volunteering, advocating, or simply spreading the truth — every action matters.

Delaware County can be a no-kill community. But only if we stop waiting for change — and start being the change.

Let’s rise together. For the animals. For each other. For our community. For a better future. For the next generation.

Click here for more information: https://nokilladvocacycenter.org/the-toolkit/the-animal-rescue-act